“Wind Therapy” Motorcycling by U.S. Veterans During COVID-19: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis

Abstract

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, U.S. Veterans struggling with posttraumatic stress found symptom relief outside traditional therapies through participation in therapeutic motorcycling (anecdotally known as “wind therapy”) in the form of solo and group participation. Purpose: We conducted an interpretative phenomenological analysis to explore and understand the healing aspects of “wind therapy” (i.e., therapeutic motorcycling) for Veterans riding to manage combat-related stress symptoms during the pandemic. Methodology: We analyzed data from interviews with 16 Veterans who reported military-related trauma. Findings/Conclusions: We identified five overarching themes and eight subthemes: connection (subthemes: camaraderie, Veteran identity, spirituality); symptom mastery (subthemes: mindfulness and focus, emotional regulation and enhancement, coping with lockdown); thrill and adventure (subthemes: risk and adrenaline, freedom/liberation); nature and sensory engagement; and giving back. Results emphasize that most participants viewed wind therapy as a positive experience that satisfied important needs not met by traditional trauma-focused approaches. Implications: Motorcycle-based adventures can potentially address critical needs for trauma-exposed Veterans that may go unmet, opening a promising avenue for supporting Veterans who might be hesitant to engage in traditional counseling due to stigma or other concerns.